Colonel Saulnier saw enlisted service in the U.S. Navy Reserve from 1955 to 1962. He became a distinguished military graduate from the University of Rhode Island ROTC program and was commissioned an Infantry second lieutenant in 1962.
During his 23 years of commissioned service, he served as an Infantry platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, (1962-64); Battalion Advisor for the 1st Battalion, 45th Infantry Regiment, 23rd (Aviation) Infantry Division in Vietnam (1964-65); Company Commander, 5th Supply and Transport Battalion, Fort Carson (1967-68); Logistics Staff Officer, G4, Headquarters, United States Army Vietnam (1968-69); Commander, 9th Supply and Transport Battalion, Fort Lewis (1975-76); and Commander, 46th Support Group, Fort Bragg (1980-82).
Colonel Saulnier’s last active duty assignment before retirement in 1985 was as Director of Command and Leadership Studies at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barracks. Where it was said of him that he “truly set the standard for others to follow in curriculum development,” and was an instructor that “had no equal.”
He not only demonstrated abundant courage and competence throughout his career, Colonel Saulnier also advised, mentored, and counseled in a positive manner the careers of hundreds of Quartermaster soldiers and students along the way. For more than a decade he has likewise aided countless veterans and their families as Executive Director of the East Region, National Industries for the Severely Handicapped (NISH).
Colonel Sauliner was inducted as a Distinguished Member of the Quartermaster Regiment in 2000.